Indian soccer player dies from injury in goal celebration

NEW DELHI -- The Mizoram Football Association says a 23-year-old Indian soccer player has died after injuring his spine while celebrating a goal with somersaults.

Peter Biaksangzuala landed on his back while doing flips last Tuesday in the northeastern state of Mizoram. He died Sunday.

Biaksangzuala scored in the 62nd minute. After his celebration went bad, he was stretchered off the field to a local hospital.

Mizoram Football Association general secretary Lalnghinglova Hmar called Biaksangzuala "a very good and disciplined footballer" who hoped to play in the national I-League.

The Mizoram Premier League released a statement on their Facebook page, saying that his club Bethlehem Vengthlang FC will retire his no. 21 jersey.

The Facebook post quoted Bethlehem Vengthlang coach Danny Lalduhawma as saying: "Peter was a lad with good manner who always maintained his discipline on and off the pitch. I don't think there are many like him."

The football association is planning to organize a match in his memory.